Trader Joe’s settles $7.4M lawsuit; customers may be owed $102
by The Washington Times AI News Desk · The Washington TimesTrader Joe’s has agreed to a $7.4 million class action settlement over allegations that some of its stores printed too many digits of customers’ payment card numbers on receipts — and shoppers who made purchases during a narrow window in 2019 may be eligible for a payout.
The settlement, first reached earlier this year, stems from a 2019 complaint filed by plaintiff Brian Keim, who alleged that Trader Joe’s violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act by printing the first six and last four digits of customers’ credit and debit card numbers on transaction receipts. Under FACTA, businesses are prohibited from printing more than the last five digits of a card number on receipts.
Mr. Keim made his purchase using a debit card at a Trader Joe’s in Florida in July 2019 and alleged the receipt he received put him at risk of identity theft. The suit was filed as a class action on behalf of all customers who received similar receipts.
Trader Joe’s denied the allegations and any wrongdoing, saying that only a small minority of transactions at a limited number of stores involved the noncompliant receipts. The company also noted that no customers had reported identity theft as a result. Its insurer, however, concluded that continued litigation would be lengthy and costly, leading the chain to settle. The court has not ruled on the merits of Mr. Keim’s claims.
Customers are eligible for the settlement if they used a credit or debit card at a Trader Joe’s between March 5, 2019, and July 19, 2019, and received a receipt displaying the first six and last four digits of their card number. The plaintiff estimates each eligible claimant will receive approximately $102.45, though the final amount will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.
The $7.4 million fund will also cover roughly $2.46 million in attorneys’ fees, a $10,000 incentive payment to Mr. Keim, and administrative costs.
To file a claim, eligible customers can submit a form through the settlement website using their Class ID number — provided in any email or postcard they may have received — or by entering the first six and last four digits of the card used along with the purchase date. Claims must be submitted by June 9, 2026. Customers can also call the settlement hotline at 1-888-444-7415 or write to the claims administrator at P.O. Box 301134, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134.
Those who opt out of the settlement by June 9, 2026, retain the right to pursue their own legal claims against Trader Joe’s. Those who do nothing will receive no payment and will forfeit that right. A court fairness hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10, 2026, after which checks will be issued within 10 business days, barring any appeals. Settlement checks may be cashed for up to 180 days after issuance.
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